The South Sydney Rabbitohs are today offering their deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of renowned Rugby League journalist and historian, Ian Heads, OAM, who has passed away following a lengthy illness, aged 81.
Ian Heads was one of the most highly regarded Rugby League journalists, authors and historians of our time with a special connection to the Rabbitohs.
Mr Heads wrote the book The History of Souths, published in 1985, which was followed in 2000 by South Sydney: Pride of the League. Both of these books are regarded as detailed histories of the greatest Club in Rugby League in Australia, chronicling the many successes and deep hardships which have shaped the South Sydney Club for over a century.
Mr Heads also penned the book The Juniors: The Best for the Best, which detailed the history of the South Sydney Juniors, which was also published in the year 2000.
Mr Heads also helped write George Piggins’ autobiography, Never Say Die: The Fight to Save the Rabbitohs in 2002.
Mr Heads was also on the selection panel for the South Sydney Dream Team, signifying the greatest South Sydney side in the Club’s history when it was selected in 2004.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said: "Ian Heads holds a special place in our Club's history, chronicling the most storied history in our game in his many books and articles during his seven decades working in the media.
"He was always helpful to our Club when we needed him and penned special written pieces for us over the decades.
“It is fitting that Ian was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame last year alongside George Piggins.
"On behalf of everyone connected to the Rabbitohs we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Ian Heads, one of the off-field greats of our game."
ARLC Chairman, Peter V’Landys, said: “Ian is quite simply a doyen of Rugby League journalism.
“I know that yesterday, Ian was still enjoying Rugby League, listening to the game between Manly and Parramatta on the radio with his family.
“As a game, we’re truly thankful that we were able to recognise and acknowledge Ian for all that he has done for the game with deserved induction into the NRL Hall of Fame.
“Ian was one of the great storytellers, but what struck me during last year’s induction were the incredible stories which were told about him. He was a revered part of the sport, respected and knowledgeable through covering the sport for more than five decades, and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to wife Joy, children Phil and Katherine, his family and all those who knew him.”
